by LORRAINE CARPENTER

You’ve seen them on TV. You’ve heard them on the radio. But Mobile’s ascendance was not an overnight job. They’ve progressed from kids with guitars in the town of Lorraine, Quebec to international rising stars with a debut album, Tomorrow Starts Today, out on Interscope/Universal. Mobile’s composer/guitarist Christian “Criq” Brais and guitarist Frank Williamson told the Mirror how it’s done.

Do what you love.

While some musicians come into music gradually, others experience an epiphany. “For me, it began with my first rock concert—U2’s Zoo TV tour. I was like, ‘Whoa, this is rock ’n’ roll!’”

Williamson saw the light jamming with friends at age 15. “We were kind of high and there was that magical moment where I had goosebumps—it was a musical orgasm. So I said, ‘Forget about everything else, I’m going to concentrate on my guitar.’”

Escape from Montreal.

After winning the CHOM L’Esprit prize in 2001 as Moonraker, a name they changed to appease Boston’s Moonraker, the band found themselves at a cul-de-sac. So they kissed school, day jobs and girlfriends goodbye (temporarily) and hit the 401. (They returned two years ago.)

Play to play.

“There are so many clubs [in Toronto] and there’s four bands in every club, seven days a week,” says Williamson, bemoaning Montreal’s pay-to-play policy. Free rental made it possible to play roughly 30 shows in five months, initially for 25 people, eventually for 250. Among the hordes were Universal A&R, who would sign them, and producer Matt DeMatteo, who would help them achieve the big sound on their album.

Shack up.

After a year in a two-bedroom apartment, the boys occupied DeMatteo’s basement for seven months, while production was underway. “With his wife and children,” says Brais. “And the house wasn’t big,” adds Williamson. “We were 10 with the dog.”

Deal!

“Simple Plan broke in New York, the Dears broke in Toronto, Sam Roberts broke in Toronto and we broke in Toronto,” Williamson explains. “You don’t break in Montreal. There’s no A&R. You have to see A&R, then you have to get to the vice president or the president, then it clicks.”

Also, learn to write catchy songs.

With guests at Club Soda on Saturday, May 6, 9 p.m., $12.50

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